Richie Meade
Richie Meade
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richie Meade is a renowned American sailor, coach, and educator.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on December 17, 1954.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Meade is an American sailor by profession. He has also worked as a coach and educator throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Richie Meade was born in the United States in 1954. Growing up near the coast, he developed a passion for sailing at a young age. This early interest would eventually shape his professional life and contribute to his success in the sport.
Meade's background is deeply rooted in education as well. He earned multiple degrees from reputable institutions, including Harvard University, where he studied psychology and philosophy. His academic pursuits provided him with a strong foundation for understanding human behavior and motivation, skills that would later benefit his coaching career.
Major Accomplishments
As a coach, Meade's most notable achievement came when he guided the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team to gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This accomplishment not only showcased his expertise but also earned him widespread recognition within the sailing community.
Meade has also held key positions at various educational institutions, including Harvard University and the United States Naval Academy. His role as a professor and instructor allowed him to share his knowledge with students and contribute to their personal growth.
Notable Works or Actions
One of Meade's most notable contributions is his work in developing the Sailing Coach Education Program (SCEP). This comprehensive program aimed at improving coaching standards within the sport, focusing on both technical skills and interpersonal communication. The SCEP was a pioneering initiative that significantly impacted the sailing world by enhancing coaching quality.
Impact and Legacy
Richie Meade's impact on the sailing community is undeniable. His legacy extends beyond his Olympic gold medal win to include numerous contributions in education and coaching development. Through initiatives like the Sailing Coach Education Program, he has left an enduring mark on the sport, shaping it into a more effective and enriching experience for participants.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Meade is widely quoted and remembered due to his extensive expertise in sailing, as well as his groundbreaking work in coaching education. His ability to motivate and guide athletes has made him a respected figure within the sport. Moreover, his innovative approach to developing coaching standards has set a new benchmark for professionals across various disciplines.
Throughout his career, Meade's passion for both sailing and education has been evident. He has not only achieved great success as a coach but also imparted valuable knowledge to future generations through his work in educational institutions.
Quotes by Richie Meade

This has been our pattern. We played extremely well defensively and made just a few mistakes.


I'm not going to get ticked off about winning, but I would have liked to have seen us play with more focus and concentration for longer in this game. We had a little concentration lapse and flattened out a bit.

It was a game of peaks and valleys and fortunately we were at the winning side at the end.

They were putting a lot of pressure on Ian and he made some bad passes, but overall he played about as well as he's played all season. Ian was more of a factor tonight because there was a conscious effort on our part to make him more of a factor.

It was like a fight we had on the playground, and we didn't fight back. When you play Georgetown, the bottom line is you've got to handle pressure.

It's a gigantic boost for us. I've kind of felt like we have gotten no breaks this year. Things have not gone our way at times, and some of that is because we have not played well in critical situations. Tonight I thought we played hard and tough.

It was a real fight. This was a game that either team could have won. This is a gigantic win for us. I feel as though we've gotten no breaks this season, things haven't gone our way. We needed this one.

It was a very hard-fought game. I felt comfortable, but I never felt we were pulling away. It's pretty impressive to beat a team like Ohio State 9-3.

There were too many little things that didn't go our way today for us to come up with a win.